Area students commit cause to film

For three local high school students those three clichEd words became a reality as they participated in a unique experience to teach them the real-life consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The experience involved the filming, acting and supervising of a television spot and feature of a realistic scene that could occur in the event of a drunk-driving accident. The segments, filmed in October, will be aired this spring, in time for proms and graduations.

It's an anti-drunk driving spot, for students by students, said Lewis Noble, 17, of Loudonville.

Noble, a Shaker High School senior, said he first learned of the opportunity to be on the set of the anti-drunk driving commercial through his father, who was helping him find a job, keeping his son's interest in film in mind.

Noble said he has been planning to go to college to major in film, most likely at Florida State University.

"My dad had heard about this and he told me," said Noble, explaining that he was eager to get involved in such an exciting job. He worked as the key grip on the film crew.

According to Joe Bashant, producer and director for Reel Productions, the film's production company, wanted to have students both behind and in front of the camera to recreate the situation as authentically as possible for students their age to be able to relate.

"It's youth-based," Bashant said. "We are definitely trying to reach out to that audience."

Bashant said all who were involved in the project, including the students and their parents, were asked to sign a waiver promising to not disclose the plot of the TV spot and documentary, as he promises there are a few "plot twists" and cliff hangers.